The Eye of Minds

Title:  The Eye of Minds  Series:  The Mortality Doctrine Author:  James Dashner  Genre:  Young Adult, Science Fiction Length: 310 pages (paperback) Sensitive Content:  Battle Scenes Rating:  4 out of 5

Michael is in the VirtNet (the Sleep), virtual world not the real one, trying to save an individual from committing suicide, which has an impact on her body and mind in the real world.  After he is unsuccessful at saving her, he reaches out to his two best friends, Sarah and Bryson, to talk through what happened.  They meet up at their favorite virtual spot.

The next morning, Michael has a hard time getting out of bed (in the Wake), but eventually does so as he knows he needs to go to school.  As his parents have been traveling, his nanny Helga is taking care of him.  He eats breakfast and leaves for school.  He's side tracked, or kidnapped might be better, by the VNS.  The VirtNet is under attack by Kaine and they need Michael's help, along with his friends.

Michael meets back up with his friends and explains the situation.  At first, they opt not to help.  After their VirtNet access is cut off, they agree to help and are off on a journey of their lifetimes.

While this book is classified as science fiction, at times it is a mystery, action, and adventure all rolled into one.  No detail is trivial.  Everything matters.  It all weaves together into the big reveal moment. 

There were a few areas where it was a little difficult to believe.  Michael, Sarah, and Bryson were introduced as smart kids, some of the best at cracking code.  However, they appear to follow VNS with no knowledge of what they are getting themselves into.  There were also aspects of the book that I felt were too strong for a youth audience (e.g., Adults Only game).

However, there were several things within the book that I enjoyed.  First, Michael, Sarah and Bryson are there for each other no matter what.  They have a friendship that goes beyond just trying to accomplish a mission.  Also, Kaine was a very likeable antagonist, not appearing weak or easy to overcome.  Yet, we are able to see that he has a long term plan in place.

The ending plot twist was very good and I honestly didn't see it coming.  As far as reading the other books in this series, it's a tossup.  My oldest said he might and my youngest isn't interested.  If the book is available at the library or comes into the house, I will read it.